Cruising the Waves Podcast

Kathleen from Plenty of Sunshine Travel met with Guillaume Cameron from Oceania Cruises for this week's Podcast.

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One of the cruise industry trends is people moving to small ships.

Small ship cruising IS the wave of the future. (Pun intended)

Small ship cruising is a MUCH better way to cruise. You will spend less time in line, more time enjoying the destinations you visit, and less time waiting for service onboard. Small Ship cruising is fantastic!

Oceania now includes so many items in your cruise fare.

Simply MORE INCLUDED

2 for 1 Cruise Fares

FREE Roundtrip Airfare

FREE Airport Transfers

FREE Champagne, Wine & More

FREE Gourmet Specialty Dining

FREE Unlimited WiFi.

We then moved on to MY cruise! This is the cruise I am going to host next summer. Watch this space for the daily videos of my top three things to do in each port video series coming soon for our Norway Cruise.

Legends of Norway. JUL 26 to August 5, 2024, on Oceania Marina

Copenhagen to Tromsø

We will have port stops in

Copenhagen, Denmark

Oslo, Norway

Kristiansand, Norway

Bergen, Norway

Norwegian Sea (Cruising)

Leknes, Norway

Harstad, Norway

Alta, Norway

Honningsvag, Norway

Hammerfest, Norway

Tromsø, Norway

Oceania has a brand new ship available to book before she launches in Allura in 2025

🎉 Exciting News! 🏆

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Kathleen from Plenty of Sunshine Travel met with Monika from Aqua Expeditions for this week's episode.

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In this week's episode, we took a deep dive into Aqua Blu's itineraries.

All Aqua Expedition ships get a full refurbishment every year. They are kept in top condition.

Aqua Blu holds no more than 30 guests onboard.

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Aqua Blue visits the Komodo Islands, Raja Ampat and the Spice Islands.

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From April to September, you will find them in Bali and the Komodo Islands.

December, January & February, we go to the Raja Ampat region.

In all of these regions, you can set sail for 7 nights.

Of course, you will need to get from one region to the other, and some cruise lines call these repositioning cruises, but Aqua Expeditions calls these itineraries 12-night cross-destination expeditions .

The top-selling itinerary I will need to book you on early is the itinerary incorporating the Spice Islands with Raja Ampat. You can also explore the itinerary that incorporates the forgotten Islands and spice islands and a little bit of the band of Sea Islands along the way.

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Let's start with Raja Ampat: This is the number one diving site in the world, it is on the top of the bucket list for people who dive or even snorkel. It is the most marine bio-diverse island on the planet.

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Moving on to Komodo/Flores

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Next, we discussed the seven-night Comodo National Park to Bali itinerary.

12 Night Flores to Spice Islands Maumere to Ambon.

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Spice IslandsCenturies ago, this was the only place where spices like cinnamon and nutmeg were grown. This was an important island and an important region.

The itineraries on Aqua Blue are:

Raja Ampat -- Round-trip

Raja Ampat to Spice Islands - -Cross-Destination

Spice Islands to Flores -- Cross-Destination

Bali to Komodo National Park -- Bi-Directional

Komodo National Park to Bali -- Bi-Directional

Flores (Labuan Baio) to Spice Islands -- Cross-DestinationAmbon & Spice Islands - Round-trip

Spice Islands to Raja Ampat -- Cross-Destination.

To see all the other cruise chats with Aqua Expeditions.

Click the link HERE

If you want to learn more about Aqua Expeditions or any other cruise lines I have met with. Please get in touch with me at [email protected].

You can also fill out this simple form https://bit.ly/3mxFUNd, and I will get back to you.

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If you want to see the images on this week's episode, click HERE to go to our YouTube Channel

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Kathleen from Plenty of Sunshine Travel met with Cindy from Norwegian Cruise Line for this week's cruise chat.

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We took a look at Norwegian Viva. NCL's newest ship!

Viva was built this year, so she is brand new!

Built in 2023

Tonnage 142,500

Length 965 feet

Beam 133 feet

Draft 28 feet

Maximum speed: 20.5 knots

Guests (double occupancy): 3,215

Crew 1,368

Decks 20

The Prima class of ships is in the evolution of the NCL brand. They have taken everything the guests love to the next level and elevated their offerings for a brand new class of ships designed with the guests in mind. With wide open spaces and service that puts the guests first. Thoughtful design and a variety of experiences that are beyond your expectations.

Live it up! When you Live it Up, you have the best stories to tell. You rise inspired, ready for a day of exploration. You never miss a sunset and revel in the night's electricity as it comes to life in a brand-new light.

Behind the Prima class of firsts

First for NCL:

Food hall.

Glass bridges.

Infinity pool

First for the cruise industry:

Exclusive suite complex located in the aft overlooking the ship's wake.

First infinity pools are located port and starboard side, almost all at the Ocean level.

Ocean Boulevard

The Ocean Boulevard represents a significant enhancement evolution of the waterfront, the most outdoor deck space of any new cruise ship. Ocean Boulevard encircles the entire ship on deck eight is 44,000 ft.².

The waterfront was 19,500 square feet, so Ocean Boulevard blows the waterfront out of the water.

The waterfront to Ocean Boulevard. They both had outdoor dining and outdoor bars with outdoor seating areas, but the Ocean Boulevard now wraps around the entire deck. It has expensive pool decks, premium outdoor lounges, and glass bridges over the ocean.

The indulge food food hall is on the Ocean Boulevard deck 8 aft. The indulge food hall is a new taken cruise ship dining.

Customizable small plates from 11 artisanal, mini restaurants and food trucks offering mouth-watering cuisines

Enjoying the suite life is easy on Norwegian. The suites range from 388 ft.² to 635 ft.². They accommodate 2 to 6 guests, and 36 of these are available.

The club balcony suite is 252 ft.² to 412 ft.², accommodating up to four people. There are 48 of these available.

There are 946 balcony suites available. They are 231 to 358 ft.² and accommodate 2 to 4 people.

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In summer 2023, Norwegian Viva will have 8 and 10-day Mediterranean cruises from Lisbon to Civitavecchia, Trieste and Piraeus. Winter, 2023 to 2024 will be seven and nine-day southern Caribbean round-trip from San Juan.

Seven-day Caribbean, Barbados, Antigua and St. Lucia round-trip from San Juan. You will visit Tortola, Saint Martin, Saint Thomas, Antigua, St. Lucia and Barbados.

Nine de Europe, Italy, France, and Spain from Rome to Lisbon on this cruise, you will visit Lisbon Sadel, Granada, Palma, Barcelona, Villefranche, Florence – Pisa and Rome.

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On the 10-day Europe, Turkey, Greece, and Italy cruise, you will visit Istanbul, Santorini, Olympia Athens, Rome, Naples, Messina, Florence/Pisa and Villefranche.

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If you want to learn more about Norwegian Cruise Line or any other cruise lines I have met with. Please get in touch with me at [email protected].

You can also fill out this simple form https://bit.ly/3mxFUNd, and I will get back to you.

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Subscribe to our channel and hit the notification bell to ensure you catch all upcoming cruise videos.

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If you want to see the images on this week's episode, go to our YouTube channel HERE.

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Kathleen from Plenty of Sunshine Travel met with Vicky from Paul Gauguin Cruises for this week's episode.

They hold the title of the longest deployment of a vessel in one area! They have relationships with the tour operators in the areas they visit. They are the ones that can get you into the heart of the areas you are visiting.

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The French Polynesia is closer than you think!

To Papeete, Tahiti

from Los Angeles (LAX): 8 hours (non-stop)

Tokyo: 11 hours (non-stop)

Paris: : 21 hours

Honolulu: 5 hours (non-stop)

Auckland: 5 hours (non-stop)

Sydney is 7 hours

The secret to their success is how close they get you to the islands. Their ship has a shallow draft, and you can get up much closer to the island than the other ships that visit this area. This ship was built for Tahiti.

Many destinations will be tendered, so being on a small ship is a very fast way to get ashore! No line ups with Paul Gauguin.

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We touched on all of the restaurants onboard. Lots of great options with local food whenever possible!

Paul Gauguin has watersports equipment available for you to use free of charge - including Kayaking, paddleboards and Snorkel gear. You will be able to enjoy the crystal clear water this way! You can also get your PADI licence while onboard and swim with a certified diver.

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Paul Gauguin has a private beach experience in Bora Bora! This is a highlight of every guest!

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We then touched on the itineraries.

7 nights Tahiti & the Society Islands.

Bora Bora, Taha's (Motu Mahana), Huahine, Moorea, Papeete and Tahiti.

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10 nights Society Islands & Tuamotus

Rangiroa, Bora Bora, Huahine, Taha'a, [Motu Mahana], Moorea, Fakarava, Papeete, Tahiti.

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11 nights Cook Islands & Society Islands.

Bora Bora, Taha'a, [Motu Mahanal, Moorea, Papeete, Tahiti, Aitutaki, Rarotonga.

14 nights Marquesas, Tuamotus & Society Islands

Hiva Oa, Nukn lliva, Tahuata, Fato lliva, Bora Bora, Huahine, Taha'a [Motu Mahana], Moorea, Papeete, Fakarava, Tahiti

14 nights Fiji, Tonga, Cook & Society Islands (Or reverse!)

Bora Bora, Taha'a, [Motu Mahana], Papeete, Tahiti, Moorea, Aitutaki, Lautoka, Savusavu, Vava'u, Lautoka Savusavu, Vava'u, Suva, Bega Islands.

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16 nights Crossing Melanesia: Australia to Fii

Renoa, Bali Komodo Island, Dili, Guadalcanal, Espiritu Santo, VANUAIL, Port Vik, SOLOMON ISLANDS, Lautoka.

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You can also fill out this simple form https://bit.ly/3mxFUNd, and I will get back to you.

Kathleen from Plenty of Sunshine Travel met with Stephanie from Celestyal Cruises for this week's cruise chat.

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Stephanie did a quick history recap about Celestyal and spoke about their Medium Sized Ships, highlighting Greece's Destination. They are Award-Winning because of how well-specialized they are. Celestyal also offers Flexible Durations.

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Celestyal offers more choices for you.

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Celestyal is getting a new ship, which will launch shortly!

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Their itineraries are:

IDYLLIC AEGEAN

7-night Inclusive adventure Athens, Thessaloniki, Kusadashi, Ichete,, Heraklion, Cantorini, Mykonos. VOYAGE HIGHLIGHTS Santorini Sunset (weather permitting) also a full day in Mykonos and a full day in Mykonos and a full day to explore Milos.

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Eclectic Aegean goes to:

Athens Greece, Istanbul Turkey, Thessaloniki Greece, Kavala Greece, Volvos Greece, Santorini Greece, and ending in Athens.

ICONIC AEGEAN (MAR - OCT)

3-night Inclusive adventure Athens, Mykonos, Kadashi, Crete, Santorini, Patmos

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If you want to learn more about Celestyal or any other cruise lines I have met with. Please get in touch with me at

[email protected]. You can also fill out this simple form https://bit.ly/3mxFUNd, and I will get back to you.

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Subscribe to our channel and hit the notification bell to ensure you catch all upcoming cruise videos.

If you want to see the images in this video - check out our YouTube channel HERE.

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Kathleen from Plenty of Sunshine Travel met with Linn from Hurtigruten for this week's cruise chat.

If you want to help this channel out, you can buy me a coffee at ⁠https://www.buymeacoffee.com/PlentyofSunshineTravel⁠

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Let's be honest - we don't need our staterooms cleaned two times a day, so if we can change people's lives, I am 100% for this program!!

Kathleen from Plenty of Sunshine Travel met with Lori from Holland America for this week's cruise chat.

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Lori did a quick brand overview. Lori mentioned all of the great music venues around the ships. Holland America is a great choice for people who enjoy music!

Holland America has 11 perfectly sized ships in four categories.

Pinnacle Class has three ships which hosts 2,650 guests.

Signature Class has two ships which hosts 2,104 guests.

Vista Class has four ships which hosts 1.964 guests.

Rotterdam Class has two ships which hosts 1,432 guests.

Holland America started doing Alaska Itineraries in 1947.

They were the first cruise line in Alaska. When you are going to Alaska, you should extend your stay and do a cruise tour. You can visit Denali or do a mix of both the Yukon and Denali.

Then we dove into some really great itineraries. Alaska Cruise Itineraries

Round Trip Alaska Cruise Itineraries

Round-Trip Seattle, which departs on Saturdays. Glacier Bay National Park, Icy Straight Point, Sitka, Hubbard Glacier,

Weekly departures from May through late September

14-Day Great Alaska Explorer. To and From Vancouver.

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Next, we moved on to the 7-day Viking Sagas on Amsterdam. You will visit Sognefjord, Flam, Stavanger, Oslo, Oslofjord, Kristiansand., The Netherlands Day At Sea, Scenic Cruising Oslofiord, Oslo. Norway, Kristiansand Norway, Stavanger. Norway, Scenic Cruising Sognefiord, Flam. Norway, Amsterdam, The Netherlands

12-day Greek Odyssey + 12-day Mediterranean Tapestry = 24-day Magic of the Mediterranean

Eastern Caribbean, 7-day roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale

Western Caribbean 7-day roundtrip Western Caribbean from Fort Lauderdale. Southern Caribbean 7-Day Roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale.

Southern Caribbean Wayfarer 11-day Roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale.

Southern Wayfarer 14-day roundtrip Fort Lauderdale.

Panama Canal Sunfarer Southern Caribbean 11-day Roundtrip Fort Lauderdale & 21-day Roundtrip Fort Lauderdale.

Or a 51 or 56-day Tales of the South Pacific Roundtrip from Vancouver.

Holland also has a 34-day South Pacific Crossing from San Deigo. We also looked at the 35-day Hawaii, Tahiti & Marquesas from San Deigo on February 27, 2024, & February 15, 2025.

25 or 29-day South Pacific Crossing on April 6, 2024, & March 30, 2025.

Lastly, we looked at my favourite itinerary on Westerdam Roundtrip Seattle on June 9, 2024. This is the 28-day Arctic Circle Solstice. Visit: Little Diomede Island, Nome, College Fjord, Prince William Sound, Seward, Anchorage, Hubbard Glacier, Homer, Sitka, Glacier Bay, National Park, Haines (Skagway) Tracy Arm, Wrangell, Ketchikan, Prince Rupert. Seattle.

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If you want to learn more about Holland America or any other cruise lines I have met with.

Please get in touch with me at [email protected]. You can also fill out this simple form https://bit.ly/3mxFUNd, and I will get back to you.

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Subscribe to our channel and hit the notification bell to ensure you catch all upcoming cruise videos.

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If you want to see the images on this weeks episode, click HERE to go to our YouTube Channel

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Search #PlentyofSunshineTravel on Facebook or Instagram to see our posts.

Kathleen from Plenty of Sunshine Travel met with Laura from Celebrity Cruise Line for this week's cruise chat.

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This week we are diving deeper into all the amazing things that make your cruise special when cruising with Celebrity!

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There are so many beautiful spaces designed by Nate Burkus! They are designed to be relaxing areas and also include great nightlife! I enjoy going to the silent disco - seeing everyone dancing to a different tune is interesting. It's fun to participate and to watch.

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Dining on Celebrity cruise lines has won awards! The meals are fantastic and well thought out! You will love it! Everything is perfect - right down to the butter! The whipped butter flavors change each evening, and you will have a treat.

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FOCUS ON WHAT MATTERS MOST

DESTINATION Discover up to eight countries in one voyage with unique cultural experiences.

CULINARY Savor a new restaurant at every meal made from scratch by more than 200 chefs from around the world led by a Michelin-starred chef.SERVICE Experience the world at your service with a personalized touch from ship to shore.

DESIGN Relax with the world's best designers to focus on your comfort down to the smallest detail.

WELLBEING Rise or rest to rejuvenate your mind, body, and spirit.

Celebrity Cruise Line is the only cruise line to be the recipient of Forbes Travel Guide four-stars! What an honor.

There are three series of ships.

MILLENNIUM SERIES, Which has a guest capacity of 2,193 passengers.

SOLSTICE SERIES has a guest capacity of 2,848 passengers.

EDGE SERIES holds 2,918 guests

Three ships in the Galapagos year-round. Next, we looked at all that is included with the Retreat! This is a ship within a ship! We took a deep dive looking at the Edge Series ships and the areas around the ship - including the dining venues and the bars. I love the Sunset Bar. You cannot beat a Sunset at Sea! My favorite time of day.

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Finally, we took a look at Flights by Celebrity. This is, honestly, my cruise line to book the air with! You make choices. You are not stuck with what they assign you. It's all about the options with Celebrity cruise line!!

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Kathleen from Plenty of Sunshine Travel met with Eric from Royal Caribbean for this week's cruise chat.

I have some great pricing on the Icon of the Seas!! Some of my special group rates are up to 75% OFF the current price!! Please contact me to book these rates!!! They are ONLY available through me. You won't see this price anywhere else.

This week we are diving deeper into Royal's brand-new ship, ICON OF THE SEAS. All I can say about this ship is wow!

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The Thrill Island neighbourhood has a category 6 waterpark, Crowns Edge & of course, returning favourites like mini golf, the rock climbing wall and the FlowRider with the sports court. I was shocked to learn that the Walk the Plank activity, where you are 154 feet above the ocean, drops on you! You have a short freefall - you are strapped in - you will be safe - but that is SO scary!! I couldn't do that. Can you? Let me know!

Iconic Chills

You can chill and relax around the 7 pools, spread out on 5 decks. Enjoy the chill Island, and relax in the Hideaway.

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Brand new to Royal Caribbean is an Empire supper club on deck eight near central park. They will be two dinner seating times, and it is a specialty dining restaurant with more information to follow. The main dining room will be on decks 3, 4 & 5. It will serve breakfast, lunch and dinner and is complimentary.

Iconic Stays.

The icon of the seas built for families, they all have incredible views, and you are an ultimate luxury. The brand new ultimate family townhouse is on the Icon of the seas, and It is three decks high. One level has a backyard and a private entrance to the Surfside. The second and third levels have a private balcony. There's also a whirlpool, a cinema room with karaoke, and an interactive dining 8 gas can stay in the Sweet is 1772 ft.² in the backyard is 251 ft.² one of the balconies on the second level is 410 ft.² on the third level is 90 ft.² there are two bedrooms. It is on decks 7, 8 & 9. You can enter this townhouse through decks seven and eight.

The sunset corner suite has a wraparound balcony with endless views from the aft of the ship. A stone-entry bathroom has a tub, shower, and two sinks. The living area has a table and sofa that converts to a double bed, a private balcony with table and chairs, sleep doctor for gas is 440 ft.² in the balcony is 360 ft.²

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The spacious ocean-view balcony has a private ocean view balcony that allows you to expand your indoor living space or invite the sea breeze with a touch of a button.

There is an extended seating area on the balcony. Sleeps up to 5 people. it's 200 ft.² and the balcony is 50 ft.².

If you want to learn more about RCL or any other cruise lines I have met with.

Please get in touch with me at [email protected]. You can also fill out this simple form https://bit.ly/3mxFUNd, and I will get back to you.

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Subscribe to our channel and hit the notification bell to ensure you catch all upcoming cruise videos.

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For our YouTube channel, click HERE

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